This is a theoretical and practical course dealing with the scientific, technical and legal aspects necessary to determine the outer limit of the continental shelf.

Learning outcomes 

The course will provide the necessary tools to understand, from an interdisciplinary point of view, the provisions of UNCLOS for the determination of the outer limit of the continental shelf. It will consider the different stages of the process, starting from the analysis of Article 76 of the Convention, the development of the work plan, the acquisition and processing of data and the interpretation to arrive at the determination of the outer limit points and their presentation.

At the end of this course, the student should be able to design a rigorous work plan for the elaboration of the submission of the outer limit of the continental shelf of any coastal State for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

Target audience 

The course is intended for graduates, postgraduate students, professionals (law of the sea, ocean scientists), decision-makers, researchers and government officials involved in ocean issues.

Course content

1) The continental shelf as a natural extension of the continent. Developments. The outer limit of the continental shelf according to Article 76 of UNCLOS. Rights of the coastal State over the continental shelf.

2) Elaboration of the work plan. Desk study. Campaign planning. Acquisition and processing of different types of data: gravimetric, geophysical and bathymetric. Requirements in terms of precision, equipment Campaign sheets Definition of the geodetic reference system. Data base assembly. 

3) Determination of the Slope Foot by maximum gradient change and by counter test. Filtering and smoothing methods. Application of the 60 nautical mile and 1% of sediment thickness formulae and the application of the 350 nautical mile and 100 nautical mile restrictions from the 2500 metre isobath. Determination of the fixed points of the outer limit of the continental shelf.

4) Mapping. Preparation of the submission to the CLCS. Executive Summary, Main Body and Data.

5) The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS): membership, functioning of the Commission.  Procedure for the analysis of submissions. Interaction between States and CLCS: Examples of submissions and Recommendations. Experiences at the analysis stage.

Instructors/Trainers Entrenadores

• Frida M. Armas Pfirter, Dra. en Derecho (Area D. Internacional Publico). Profesora
• Paula M. Vernet, Profesora Derecho Internacional Público
• Marcelo Paterlini, Geofísico,  miembro de la Comisión de Límites de la Plataforma Continental (CLPC)
• Yanina Berbeglia, Geóloga
• Martín Eugenio de Isasi, Hidrógrafo
• Juan Bautista Allegrino, Oceanógrafo
• Lucila Dalmau, Oceanógrafa
• Marcelo Ancarola, Ingeniero Geógrafo
• Edgardo Augusto Monteros, GIS
• Marina Uviedo (interpreter)

Language

English

Pre-course Activities or Assessment

No

Learner assessment

In order to obtain the course certificate, it will be required to watch the all the pre-recorded lectures and successfully complete the assessment tools (quizzes and assignments).

Pre-requisites:

• Language and computer skills required (Applicants are expected to have):
  • a good working knowledge of English
  • basic computer skills
• Technology requirements (to complete this course, participants should have access to):
  • Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
  • Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
  • Access to stable internet
  • Speakers and microphone or headset

Course duration and format

Length of course 25 hours (8 synchronous hours - 17 hours of reading and assignments)

The course will consist of an initial half-hour synchronous session to introduce the course. This will be followed by 5 sessions of 1.5 hours each, plus 17 hours of individual work, including watching pre-recorded lectures, reading and case resolution assignments to be carried out individually. Each session will include a pre-recorded presentation by the presenter(s) of approximately 90 minutes, which can be viewed in advance during the week, followed by a synchronous class, which will be interactive between instructors and learners, open to questions and exchange of opinions. Some practical exercises will be included. The literature for all lectures will be available at the beginning of the course.

Synchronous sessions  (all times refer to Buenos Aires, Argentina time zone)

1. Tuesday, October 11, 14:30 – 15:00 (general introduction to explain the methodology and course key points)
2. Friday, October 14, 14:30 – 16:00
3. Tuesday, October 18, 14:30 - 16:00
4. Friday, October 21, 14:30 - 16:00
5. Tuesday, October 25, 14:30 – 16:00
6. Friday, October 28, 14:30 – 16:00

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply for the course by filling in the online form https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/zwtvkcz1qsbydg/ not later than 20 September 2022 (23:59 Central European Time (CEST)).

No tuition fees apply.

UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Selection criteria (30 seats available)

• Participants should be graduates, postgraduate students, professionals (law of the sea, ocean scientists), decision-makers, researchers and government officials involved in ocean issues.
• Expected impact of the training at the host institute level

Note: since this course is available in Spanish (2 course editions in 2021 and 2022), priority will not be given to Spanish speaking applicants

Contacts:

• Course Coordinator: Nancy Correa ncorrea@hidro.gov.ar
• OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org

In case of questions please use the contacts above always using the name of the course as email subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.